Ocnogyna parasita (Hübner, 1790)

Host plants:
Polyphagous, especially herbs

Habitat:
In Central Europe Ocnogyna parasita occurs on mountain slopes of the Alps between 1200 and 2500m above sea level. The caterpillars can be found partially common in the extensively grazed pastures, especially on warm slopes. In Southeastern Europe, the larva is most often found in dry nutrient-poor grasslands and pastures.

Life cycle:
The pupa or the moth in the pupa overwinter. Only in the latter case, the moth hatches after hibernation in the same year. The flight time is very early immediately when the snow melts. The caterpillars pupate in August and early September.

Remarks:
Ocnogyna parasita is found in the French and Swiss Alps. In addition, it is also found in south-Eastern Europe, here in the lowlands in steppe areas. The caterpillars are often parasitized or sick, what gave Ocnogyna parasita its name. But not always rates of over 90% are observed. So over 50% of the larvae that I had found in Valais in August 2007.